Study reveals basic income recipients value work more than before

On December 2, 2024, a study funded by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, was released, presenting significant findings about basic income programs. Conducted within the context of rising concerns over job displacement due to advancements in artificial intelligence, the study examined the effects of a $1,000 monthly basic income on recipients' attitudes towards work and their political views. Initial findings, reported in July, indicated that participants experienced lower stress and food insecurity, but the latest phase of the research focused on their perception of work following the receipt of regular income payments. The results are particularly interesting, as they reveal that recipients generally began to see work as having greater intrinsic value. OpenResearch Director Elizabeth Rhodes highlighted that individuals who received the payments were more inclined to look for jobs and submit applications, indicating a potential shift in motivation despite a slight increase in unemployment among participants. This presents a counter-narrative to common criticisms against basic income initiatives, which often suggest that financial assistance could lead to decreased motivation to work. Politically, the study also found that recipients' political views remained stable; those who were already supportive of basic income maintained their stance while opponents did not change their views. David Broockman, co-author of the study, emphasized the neutral political nature of the program, which may enhance its chances for broader acceptance. The implications of this research emerge against a backdrop of political opposition to basic income in various states, such as Texas, South Dakota, and Iowa, predominantly led by conservative lawmakers concerned about socialistic policies. As discussions around basic income grow in relevance, particularly with predictions from industry leaders like Vinod Khosla claiming that AI could replace 80% of jobs within two decades, findings like those released in this study could be crucial in demonstrating the potential benefits of basic income as a safety net. Future implementations of such programs could succeed more readily if they are transparent and clearly communicated to the public, highlighting the need for open dialogue regarding the role of basic income in an evolving economic landscape.